Well I sent in my form to the Department of Commerce to get my business name registered. I rang them just now and they said that my name and the alternatives I have chosen are unavailable. I almost cried

The lady told me that this is because there is already a business called "Virtual Personal Assistant (PA) Solutions" - I don't get it, all I wanted was The Virtual Personal Assistant.

So can you please help me with a new name? I still want it to essentially be The Virtual Personal Assistant. She said if I put something in front of it besides the word "The" it should be fine.

I guess I should have done this step first before doing anything else, I already have my ABN under The Virtual Personal Assistant, does anyone (Australians) know if your ABN and Registered Business Name have to be the same?

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I must be so upset that I can't even proofread properly!
Sorry about the "I'm have a dilemma" obviously it's meant to be "I have a dilemma"

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What about adding simply the word My...

So you become My Virtual Personal Assistant, that way when clients talk about to others they would be saying "My Virtual Personal Assistant....handles that for me....

Or you could use - Your....as an alternative.

I'm not sure how it works in Australia but here in Canada we can have our registered business name and then use a DBA or doing business as...

Both my husband and I have our own businesses, but for bookkeeping etc...we using 1 company and then each of our personal businesses are DBA's under the main company...

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Renee Shupe, Become a Techie Virtual Assistant
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Thank you for that Renee.

I think I'm going to try The Virtual Personal Assistant - Australia or The Virtual Personal Assistant- Perth. That way I won't have to buy a new domain and I can just add Australia or Perth to the end of the name on the website etc. Hopefully that works.

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Grrr...well that idea isn't going to work.
I just called back and they said they won't let my name start with Virtual Personal Assistant, so I do need a word in the beginning.

I do like "My", but I don't want to have to get a new domain so it all syncs.

Hmmm...

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They don't allow "THE"? hmmm. Call to see if they have website. Here in Illinois I can go online to check the names that are already taken and when I put my name in it tells me if that is ok. Have actually had times when a name will be ok and then a few hours later - gone.suggestions: YOUR Personal Assistant and if that is taken as it probably is: Your Personal Assistant - Australia , or your first name or initials in front i.e. "Phillipa - The Personal Assistant" that way you can easily keep your website etc.

Originally Posted by debw241

They don't allow "THE"? hmmm. Call to see if they have website. Here in Illinois I can go online to check the names that are already taken and when I put my name in it tells me if that is ok. Have actually had times when a name will be ok and then a few hours later - gone.suggestions: YOUR Personal Assistant and if that is taken as it probably is: Your Personal Assistant - Australia , or your first name or initials in front i.e. "Phillipa - The Personal Assistant" that way you can easily keep your website etc.

Ooh I like that one Deb, "Phillipa - The Virtual Personal Assistant.
I think that will be perfect!
Yes they do have a website and I did check on there, but nothing comes up.
Thanks for that suggestion Deb, I'll call them tomorrow and ask about it.

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I am proud to say that my business name has been approved finally. It is now "Phillipa The Virtual Personal Assistant.
Thank you guys so much for your help!

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That was a very good idea to just add your name. I looked at the website and I really like it, I think it looks professional and fun.

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Kimberly

Hey Phillipa I am SO GLAD that worked out for you, and I was actually able to help!! I also looked on your website and I really really like how personal and personable yet professional it is! Good Luck! - Deb